The National Police Service (NPS)has unveiled a fresh directive regulating public rallies and protests across Kenya, a move that will balance safeguarding constitutional freedoms and maintaining public order.
In a statement released on Friday by Office of the Inspector General, the service is a national security organ established under Article 243 of the Constitution and operates under functions outlined in Article 244.
The organisers are to provide details including names, physical addresses, proposed dates, venues and procession routes when submitting notices to the regulating officer.
NPS has urged the citizens to exercise their constitutional rights diligently within the framework of the law. The legal requirements are essential in maintaining peace, security and respect for constitutional order during public gatherings.
Civil society groups have expressed concern about the rules may be used to suppress disagreement, while government officials insist the measure is necessary to protect lives and property.
The directive has restricted time limit for rallies and protests to be held between 6 AM and 6 PM; authorities argue that restricting events to these times will prevent night-time disorder that has been linked to violence and property damage.
Organisers are expected to submit their notice three days before the proposed event, but fourteen days in advance.
Political analysts note the directive could reshape the landscape of demonstrations, especially in regions that are highly escalated to political clashes.